How to Avoid Skin Cancer - Page 3

While runners often shuck extra layers on a hot, sunny day, Dr. Brewer encourages us to stay covered—even if it’s uncomfortable. “Extra clothing is always on option,” he says. “There are a lot of runner-friendly shirts that are long-sleeved, with material that allows the skin to breath well and sweat through the material, so you don’t feel the heat of normal long-sleeved shirts.” SPF-treated clothing can also be found at most outdoor retailers.

Elite ultrarunner Michael Arnstein, who wore a long-sleeved shirt for much of the notoriously hot Western States 100 last year and plans to cover up at Badwater this summer, recommends skin-cooling clothing from De Soto and the Wicked Lite shirt from Mountain Hardwear. “The trick to keeping this stuff amazingly cool is to keep it wet,” he says, noting the clothing has to be white. “Way cooler than being exposed to the sun in skin.”

EARLY DETECTION

Even if you are steadfast in trying to prevent it, skin cancer can still occur. Learning to identify potential cancerous spots on your skin can be key to getting treatment early and preventing complications.

Dr. Brewer recommends performing skin checks once per month, as well as seeing a dermatologist regularly. “Anyone who is out in the sun frequently, like most runners, should have their skin looked at by a dermatologist once a year,” he says.

He says any moles that appear to be changing color, shape or size, that bleed or itch, or that are new, should be examined by a dermatologist.